The adventures of the daring Thomas Cochrane, called “the sea wolf” by Napoleon, are so extraordinary that his life reads like a page-turning work of fiction. In one sense it became so, for the novelist Patrick O’Brian by his own admission used Cochrane as the basis for Jack Aubrey, hero of his much-loved series of naval novels.

Cochrane became a household name when in 1800 he took command of the tiny brig, the Speedy, and created mayhem in the Mediterranean earning himself and his crew a fortune in prize money. A wildly contradictory character, never less than heroic, and this lively new account of his life has sold over 7,000 copies in hardback.

Download and start listening now!

BK_BKOT_000626

Listener Opinions

by David Eppenstein | 2/22/2013

" An enjoyable biography of the man said to have been the model for Patrick O'Brian's Capt. Jack Aubrey. In this case the reality is just as much an adventure as the fiction. "

by Peter Macinnis | 1/25/2012

" Cochrane was the model for the fictional Jack Aubrey. I seem to keep running into him or his family as I write books. "

by Kim | 4/12/2011

" A swashbuckling read. "

by Curtiss | 4/10/2010

" A look at the career of one of England's great fighting captains; the possible inspiration behind the career C.S. Forester's fictional naval hero, Horatio Hornblower "

[ShoppingCartItemsAddedOnMerge] audiobook(s) were left in your cart from a previous visit, and saved to your account for your convenience. You may view or remove these audiobooks on the shopping cart page.